The Effects of Chinese in Korea’s Crime and Safety Perceptions on Quality of Life

Abstract

In line with the recent global trend of globalization, active exchanges in the politics, economy, and culture of each country are taking place. In Korea, the number of foreigners coming for purposes such as studying abroad, employment, and business investment is increasing. Among them, individuals with Chinese nationality account for the highest proportion of all foreigners residing in Korea. Foreigners living in Korea, including those of Chinese origin, are adapting to a new environment, undergoing life and social changes such as adjustments to living conditions, food, human relationships, and language. Most importantly, Chinese individuals in Korea are more susceptible to becoming victims of crime due to characteristics unfamiliar to Korean society, such as difficulties in reporting damages and weak self-defense capabilities. These factors lower their quality of life and give rise to various problems. Hence, this study aims to assist Chinese individuals in Korea in improving their safety and quality of life. It seeks to achieve this by identifying the impact of crime safety awareness on their quality of life, and by establishing a theoretical basis for interventions and support for the Chinese community in Korea. Regarding the research methodology, a survey was conducted from April 26 to May 18, 2023, with all 101 responses used for analysis. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression analysis were performed as analytical methods. The research analysis revealed several key findings. First and foremost, the demographic characteristics influencing the quality of life of Chinese individuals in Korea are marital status and educational background. Marital status is particularly significant when individuals are married, and the final education level being graduate school graduation or higher is also influential. Furthermore, based on the results of hierarchical regression analysis, the demographic factors affecting quality of life are marriage and middle school graduation. Crime safety awareness, which has an impact on quality of life, is correlated with an awareness of crime and engagement in crime prevention activities. Awareness of crime has a positive effect (+), indicating that an increase in awareness leads to an improvement in quality of life. Conversely, involvement in crime prevention activities has a negative effect (-), indicating that quality of life decreases with an increase in crime prevention activities. Drawing from these research results, the study concludes and suggests the need for community-level crime-fighting and prevention programs to improve the quality of life for Chinese individuals in Korea. Additionally, the study recommends the development and support of various psychological, counseling, and educational programs to alleviate the fear of crime victimization and enhance the overall well-being of the Chinese community in Korea. The study emphasizes the importance of conducting further research on crime safety awareness among Chinese individuals in Korea, particularly focusing on the fear of crime victimization, through subsequent studies. It underscores that intervention and support for the adaptation of Chinese individuals in Korea are critical aspects to consider.